Candidates must present plans for economy

All small business owners understand and endure the same pressure I am under because many people depend on small businesses for their livelihood. With the current inactivity in Washington, DC on both sides of the aisle businesses are at a standstill. Democrats and Republicans alike are responsible for our prolonged economic downturn. Money is not being invested, credit is not being offered, and jobs are not being created. In this economic climate all small business owners are working to keep their head above water.

As the 2012 presidential election approaches, it is the responsibility of all small business owners and entrepreneurs to demand specific plans from both candidates that address how they will handle the difficulty facing small business owners.

Clear plans are needed, as well as specifics on how each candidate plans to turn the tide of our struggling economy. Both as a voting block and the economic engine of America, small business owners are the swing vote that will have a lot to say and a lot of power when it comes to the ballot box this election year. Not often realized, 99 percent of all independent enterprises in the country employ fewer than 500 employees, representing over 52.6 million U.S. workers. By contrast, 47.7 million Americans work for organizations with over 500 employees.

As the job-creation engine of America, small businesses employ more than half of the American work force and have created more than 60 percent of all new jobs over the past 15 years. During this election cycle it is our duty as small business owners and American citizens to make sure our candidates answer the tough questions on the economy. The days of clichés and idle chatter need to be put to rest. Tangible ideas and accountability should be and will be the new prerequisite for our country's greatest office.